Ignorant Historian

It’s now been two weeks since I started the Game On! Diet.

(Sidenote: I hate that it’s called a “diet”…especially since we’re not using the diet portion.)

And it’s been an interesting two weeks at that.

One of the first things I noticed was how much depriving myself of my usual self-indulgences increased my pleasure.  I love ice cream and Diet Dr Pepper, but it having it daily regularly doesn’t make me enjoy it more.  It made me enjoy it less…it wasn’t a treat anymore.

Day 1 of Game On! (see, I didn’t use the D-word!) I had an evening snack of Cinnamon Life with skim milk.  And it was heavenly.  While I was eating it, I was completely in the moment, enjoying every bite and sip from the bowl.

Day 2, I had part of a plain bagel with a little cream cheese that was out of this world.  My usual Panera bagel, the Cinnamon Crunch, wouldn’t have been that good.

Day 3, I had some canned pears that were quite scrumptious.

And by Day 4, I was enjoying every bite of my unsweetened applesauce.

By week 2, I was back in the pool.  While I have to fight through the first few laps, I love to swim.  Something about the rhythm of it (stroke, stroke, breathe, stroke, stroke, breathe)  and the way that the water turns all sounds into background noises.  In the pool I’m alone with my thoughts, without distraction.  Exercise without sweat, without strain.  In cleansing waters.

So why haven’t I been doing it more often?

I’ve greatly appreciated this opportunity to enjoy the little things.  I don’t want to forget that.

Photo by ƒernando

1.  If you were on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, whose names would you submit as your three lifelines, and what subjects would each person be your go-to person for?

Let’s see…I’d definitely put my dad on the list for all things mathematical/scientific.  I’d also choose my college roommate, Dana, as she’s familiar with a ton of movies (and a ton of other things…she’s well-read as well) that I’m not.  I’d also want to pick someone who’s good with pop culture, but I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head that would be a good fit.

2.  What food grosses you out just by its texture?

Grits.  Definitely don’t get them.

3.  How long would it take you, via the quickest means available, to get to the place of your birth from where you are right now?

If someone chartered me a flight and had it waiting for me at the airport right now, I think I could be there in 3 hours.  I think it’d take just over 2 hours to fly direct to Wichita (not that I’ll ever know that!).  Driving it takes 20 hours.

4.  From what store is it impossible for you to emerge empty-handed?

Target, for sure.  There is always something that I “need.”

5. What do you usually use to mark your place in a book?

A piece of paper from a notepad.  It doubles as a place for me to record quotes.

1. What’s your favorite science fiction movie? Make it a double feature. What’s your second favorite?

Favorite is probably the new Star Trek. I actually didn’t see it in the theaters (wish I had!), but I really enjoyed it. When picking a second, it’s really hard not to pick Inception since I just saw it and loved it. Instead, I’m going to have to go with a Star Wars…maybe Episode III? Sorry to purists out there, but I prefer the ones actually made when I was alive.

2. Which ethnic group has the best food?

LOVE Mexican food (both real Mexican food and Tex-Mex, though I must admit I prefer Tex-Mex). I could literally eat it every day. Chinese is a close second, but I’m pickier in which kinds of Chinese food I like.

3. What is your favorite Disney princess?

Toughie. Aurora, probably. I’d love her life in a rural cottage with plenty of time to think (and presumably to read).  Or maybe Cinderella.

4. What is America’s gift to the world?

Wow…hmmm. Though we are merely the bearers of this gift and not the originators, I think I’d have to say the Gospel. While it’s also been distorted here–often beyond recognition–America has also been the place God has chosen to incubate the Gospel, and many Americans have been major instruments God has used to spread it. The downside is that Christianity and America are often linked in a way that is highly unflattering to God. May God help us to de-Americanize the Gospel and continue to selflessly share this wonderful gift.

5. Excluding romantic love, when was the last time you told someone you loved them?

This past weekend to sweet little “Abby,” my friend’s 5-year-old girl. I treat her like a niece. She started calling me “Erica” to be silly, so I started calling her “Abby.” Then she started calling me “best friend” and then “sister.” She knows how to wiggle her way into your heart, that’s for sure!

1.  What do you value most in other people?

Being real. Not fake and not who they think I want them to be, but who they actually are, honestly. I hope I offer the same.

2.  What’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie?

Growing up, it was Carmel DeLites (Samoas with milk chocolate instead of dark…different names because they’re made by different companies). Now it’s Peanut Butter Patties. Didn’t get any this year, because nobody asked me! I think I need to look into being one of the mystery customers that girls get extra incentives to find. I always hoped I’d find one when I was a girl (sold them for 11 years!).

3.  If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the body or the mind of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?

Definitely the mind. Losing my mental faculties is actually my biggest fear with aging, not wrinkles or bum joints. Though my mind is definitely already going downhill (along with my body), so can I go backwards and have the mind of a 22yo forever?

4.  Have you ever danced on a table, bar, or other platform?

I’ve danced on a stage, which is technically a platform. I’m not sure that’s what the question is asking, but I don’t lead a scandalous life.

5.  Are you wearing socks right now?

Nope. I rarely do in the summer. Which makes the 30 pairs of socks in my drawer a bit out of place. (I didn’t count…if very well could be more, but I don’t want to know)

1. What is your favorite sport?

To watch: football.  To play: tennis (and about the only sport I’d play).

2. Which day of the week do you look forward to most?

During tax season, it was Tuesdays (my late start day).  Now, I’m not sure.  I actually prefer the structure of weekdays to the weekend (I know, weird), so maybe Mondays?  I do spend time with 2 of my favorite people every other Monday, so that’d make sense.

3. Have you ever had a secret admirer?

If it’s a secret, how would I know?  But not that I know of, no.

4. Do you like your eggs scrambled or sunny side up?

Scrambled (or hard-boiled).  Once tried sunny side up because it looked good, but I was VERY mistaken.  If I make them myself, I like to add cheddar cheese and ranch dressing…yum!

5. What was the first plane ride you took?

To Chicago, when I was 16.  It was for Science Olympiad, when we were going to Nationals for my first time.  We actually waited around in the small Wichita airport for 7 hours (this was pre-9/11) because they kept delaying our flight and then switched us.  It was quite bumpy, too, since there were a lot of storms, but I didn’t know better at the time.  Now, turbulence bothers me more than I’d like to admit (though I’m a big roller coaster junkie–go figure).  And though I got started flying late, I’ve not stopped, and now routinely fly 4 times a year.

In a follow up to Thursday’s post, here is the practical application of my commitment to not eat out.

One major thing that has helped me is that I’ve been making all my breakfasts and lunches for the week over the weekend.  I can make a half-recipe of a breakfast casserole and a recipe of something that makes good leftovers, and portion each of those out into 5 ready-to-heat-and-eat containers (I use disposable Ziploc or Gladware ones).  Each week I change out the recipes I’m using so that I don’t get bored.

Here are the recipes that make great leftovers and I enjoy.  I did not create these recipes, but have modified them. Hope you find them helpful!

Easy Chicken Soup Casserole – Follow the link to see this one.  It’s great because it makes a perfectly manageable amount of leftovers (makes 4 portions) and I absolutely love it.  I’ve served it to many other people who have also said the same thing.

Taco Soup – Vegetarian

I know I got this from someone’s blog a long time ago. The great thing about this one is that it is really flexible. It makes 6-8 servings, and is great when served over rice.

3 cans of beans (I usually use 1 each of black, kidney, and pinto)
3 cans of veggies (I usually use carrots, green beans, and either tomatoes or corn)
1 packet Ranch seasoning
1 packet Taco seasoning

Dump this all in a pot or stockpot and heat until warm.

Enchilada Casserole

I got this recipe from a college friend, Anna.  It’s another recipe that is a hit with everyone I’ve served it to. It can be quite spicy if you choose the spicier ingredient options.

1 pound lean ground beef
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can enchilada sauce (I prefer mild)
1 can green chiles (and this is why I prefer mild enchilada sauce)
Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese (up to 1 pound)
Tortilla chips (or tostada shells for a healthier option)

Crush chips into small pieces (don’t have to be tiny, you just don’t want whole chips) and layer enough to cover the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Cook and drain ground beef and mix in soups, enchilada sauce, and chiles. Cover chips with mixture. Crumble cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Light Chicken Enchiladas

Found this in the First Place Bible study. Makes 6 servings.

8 oz light sour cream
4 oz can green chiles
1 can chicken (or some leftover cooked chicken)
1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
12 6-inch tortillas
8 oz plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sour cream, yogurt, soup, chiles, 3/4 cheese, chicken, and onion. Place a couple spoonfuls of the mixture in each tortilla, wrap, and place in a greased casserole dish. Spoon remaining mixture on top. Cover with foil, bake 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 5 minutes.

Mercetti

This recipe I got from a college roommate, Brittany. Makes 6-8 servings.

7 ounces of egg noodles
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can tomatoes (I like diced)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (I prefer lower fat option)

Cook and drain beef, onions and pepper while cooking egg noodles according to package. Mix noodles, beef, tomatoes, soup, pepper, and onion in greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Tunafish Casserole

This was my favorite thing to both eat and make growing up. This recipe makes more than I can eat in a week, so I half-it.

12 oz elbow macaroni (I prefer whole wheat)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cans tuna
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
Velveeta

Cook pasta according to package. Mix all but Velveeta in a covered casserole dish. Top with sliced Velveeta (as much or little as you want).  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Black Bean Chili

This is an adapted recipe from my friend Laurie’s kitchen. I LOVE eating it with cornbread.

1 pound lean ground beef
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
16 oz tomato sauce
12 oz chunky-style salsa
1 c shredded cheese (I prefer a Mexican blend)

Brown beef in a stockpot. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, and salsa. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, top with cheese, and serve.

Italian Veggies and Rice

This recipe is a modification of “Italian Chicken and Rice” that I got from Kraft. I don’t like the texture of leftover chicken, so I’ve removed it and boosted the veggies.

4 cups chopped veggies (zucchini, carrots, onion, and bell peppers are all excellent)
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups Instant brown rice
2 Chicken bouillon cubes
1 1/4 cup water
1/4 cup light Italian dressing

Brown veggies in oil in large skillet.  Add water, Italian dressing, and bouillon and bring to a boil.  Add rice, cover, and turn heat to low.  Cook for 5 minutes.  Stir, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 more minutes covered.

Yes, that means I’m actually *baking*

1. What’s on your “to do” list this summer?

Moving, for one thing (and the accompanying ”getting settled”).  I don’t really have “summer” plans other than that, since I don’t segment my life so much like this anymore.  I’d like to get back in to regular exercise and eating at home, but I’m already starting to work on that.

2.  Do you enjoy sleeping late?

Most definitely.  Though “late” has changed from what it was when I was a teenager or a college student.  9 AM is the latest I ever want to sleep in

3. Fill in the blank: Life is __________.

A beautiful, wonderful, sometimes painful gift.

4. What is in your refrigerator right now?

As of writing this (April 23rd), a few condiments (mainly salad dressings), milk, eggs, onion, tortillas, lots of cheese (don’t ever want to run out), and some leftovers (taco soup and breakfast casserole).  I think that’s all that’s mine.  Haven’t done my weekly shopping yet to get fruits and veggies.

5. If you received $1 million (after taxes), what would you do with the money?

Pay off my student loan, buy a medium-sized house and furnish it modestly, and give some to friends.  Give at least 200K of it to my church, and then invest the rest.

Since the end of tax season, I’ve been working on getting new (and old) habits in place.  I thrive on a routine, so I knew that establishing a good one early was key.

One of my major problems for both healthy living and a healthy budget is the amount of fast food I was eating.  Part of that was fueled by the stress and busyness of tax season, and part of that is just my weakness for junk food and ice cream.

So, once tax season was over, I made the plan of not eating out unless:

1.) I’m with a friend.

or

2.) My schedule requires it (usually just on Wednesdays).

It’s not been easy.  And I’ve not been perfect, either.  If I was graded, I’d probably have just barely squeaked out a C that first week.

But I’m doing much better than I would have been if I hadn’t even tried.

As hard as it is to admit, food is an idol in my life.  I really wish it was something that you could quit cold turkey. Progress would be easily measured then.  Instead, I’ve been having to work on ways to not let my desire for food rule me.

One thing our pastor said Sunday in his sermon on lust and purity was this: Say “Sex is not my religion.  Jesus is my religion,” when temptation comes.

I’ve adapted that for my struggle and now when the temptation hits, I’m telling myself, “Food is not my god. Jesus is my God.”

I might have to say this a dozen times a day, but it’s a great reminder to put food in it’s proper place in my life. It’s a great blessing, but it is not my ultimate comfort.

I’m like a child…I can’t make myself eat something I don’t want to eat.  If I try, I seriously gag.  So, the key for me is to keep it something that I want to eat, but that is also cheap, easy and healthy.  Monday, I’ll post recipes that I currently have in my arsenal that I know make great leftovers and are tasty and decently healthy.

Photo by Tammy Green

1.  How do you eat an Oreo?

I pull it apart, and eat the cookie with the least amount of icing on it first.  Then I lick off the icing, and eat the other cookie.  And repeat, of course.

2.  What turns you off about the opposite sex?

Unteachableness.  I don’t like a guy who always thinks he’s right and has nothing to learn. (And yes, I tend to be a bit like this, which is probably why it bugs me so much.)

3.  Do you scrunch or fold your toilet paper?

Definitely fold.

4.  How many kids do you want to have?

8.  Okay, I always say that, just to see the look on the other person’s face.  Seriously though, I would like to have a large family.  That said, I DON’T plan on birthing many of those 8 (or you know, 5 or 6).  I want to adopt (possibly older children or a sibling set) and am excited to see so many families in our church getting excited about it as well.

5.  Do they bury people with their braces on?

I sure hope so.  It seems like a waste to take the time to get them off just for a little scrap medal.  Or are you thinking they’ll reuse them?  Ick!